RTK is simply a community of people, who have been affected in some way by knife crime, including:
- those experiencing loss due to the death or injury of someone they know, including through recent events as well those that happened many years ago
- parents and those working with children or young people who want to positively support and educate the younger generation
- those with an awareness that knife crime has a serious impact on society, especially on young people
There is a shared understanding that we need to support one another to listen, comfort, encourage and look for positive solutions. We meet monthly to give space to remember those who have lost their lives to knife crime, to share ideas for positive change and to connect with others affected by violent youth crime. We are open to people of all ages, faiths and outlooks.
We began by meeting in a church hall, but now have hybrid meetings, in person at the church hall and via Zoom. It is a local initiative, based in the borough of Wandsworth, but open to anyone further away who would like to join us.
Val is the facilitator of RTK.
Val Crolle
Val works in early years education in Wandsworth. Since one of her close friends lost her son to knife crime in 2006, she has supported and campaigned for victims and their families. She has implemented an anti-knife crime programme within her local primary school and is a member of the local Wandsworth Knife Crime Forum.
RTK was founded in 2019, inspired by talk by Dr Erinma Bell, about how the work of her charity, CARISMA, in Manchester had contributed to a reduction in gun crime, by using ideas that had emerged from within the community. Val and others began to draw together a community of people, now known as RTK. Our hope is to follow Manchester’s example to see a reduction in crime through bringing together people who are looking for change.
Respond With Us
If you would like to give toward the community and mission of RTK, below are our bank details to do so. Please email respondingtogether@rtk.org.uk with any questions about donations.
Bank Transfer
Account Name: RTK
Account Number: 41547268
Sort Code: 30-90-90
Bank: Lloyds